Iowa Democrats won a major victory Tuesday by flipping a Republican seat in a special election, ending the GOP’s supermajority in the state Senate.
Catelin Drey secured the Sioux City-area district with 55% of the vote, defeating Republican Christopher Prosch, who received 44%, according to unofficial results from all precincts.
With this win, Democrats now hold 17 seats in the Senate, while Republicans retain 33. This outcome breaks the GOP’s two-thirds supermajority.
The seat opened after Republican Senator Rocky De Witt passed away from cancer in June. De Witt had been elected to the Senate in 2022. Governor Kim Reynolds, a Republican, called the special election to fill the vacancy.
Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin praised Drey’s victory, highlighting the significance of flipping a district Donald Trump won last year. Martin said voters are seeking change from Republicans and credited the win to strong Democratic organization.
Republicans continue to hold the majority in the state House, maintaining significant influence over Iowa’s legislative agenda.
This victory is part of a trend where Democrats have performed strongly in special elections across the state. In January, Democrat Mike Zimmer flipped a Senate seat, winning by four percentage points in a district Trump carried by 25 points in the previous election.
Political analysts see these wins as a reflection of growing Democratic strength in districts previously dominated by Republicans. The outcomes suggest that voters are weighing local issues and candidate appeal over party loyalty.
Drey’s victory could influence upcoming legislative priorities in Iowa. With the GOP’s supermajority broken, Democrats now have greater leverage in negotiations, especially on matters requiring a two-thirds vote.
The special election attracted attention nationally as an early indicator of voter sentiment following last year’s midterm elections. The results show that even districts leaning heavily Republican can shift under the right conditions.
Local campaigns emphasized healthcare, education, and economic growth, which likely resonated with voters in the Sioux City district. Analysts note that targeting local issues in special elections often drives higher voter engagement and turnout.
Democrats are optimistic about maintaining momentum in future elections, citing recent successes in flipping districts that previously leaned Republican. Party officials argue that focused organization and voter outreach remain key to winning competitive areas.
As Iowa prepares for future elections, both parties are expected to adjust strategies based on these results. Republicans may focus on consolidating support in their strongholds, while Democrats could continue targeting competitive districts with aggressive grassroots campaigns.
The outcome highlights the dynamic nature of Iowa politics and demonstrates that special elections can have a meaningful impact on state governance. With Democrats breaking the GOP supermajority, the state Senate may see more balanced debates and collaborative policymaking in the months ahead.
